184 Natural Theology. 



and la\\s of matter, as convincing proof of design 

 as in the type of the printing-case, that, in the hands 

 of the skilful compositor, goes through the number- 

 less changes known in the art of printing. 



We shall have occasion, in another place, to speak 

 of the law of chemical combination in relation to 

 mind. In the present lecture, we shall confine our- 

 selves to the consideration of some of the results 

 of that law, and to some of the elements and chemi- 

 cal compounds that play an important part in the 

 economy of nature, especially in relation to man. 



And the first elements that force themselves upon 

 our attention, are the four which are the pillars of 

 organic life. While many other elements are called 

 into play in building up and supporting organic 

 beings, they are so small in quantity compared with 

 oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon, that these are 

 properly regarded as the pillars of plant and animal 

 life. They not only supply material for building up 

 the living structures, but they also furnish the con- 

 ditions of their existence. The water and the air 

 are their products, and without either of these on 

 the globe, organized beings could not exist. We 

 are struck with wonder and admiration at the fitness 

 of these four simple elements for the part they play 

 in this globe, in transforming it from a barren rock 

 into an abode of beauty, and a place of animal and 

 intellectual enjoyment. If there is design in the 

 collocation of matter, in the adaptation of parts in 

 created beings, the manifestation of wisdom and 

 benevolence in adorning and peopling the earth, we 



